I’ve said before and I’ll say it again – I wish I was an expert on all the gorgeous and glorious places to stay in Amsterdam but the truth is we generally stay with family, so although I’ve been lucky enough to spend the odd night under an Egyptian cotton duvet with canal views, I can’t give personal reviews in the way I can for restaurants or activities.
That said. I know what’s out there and I can dream…and read reviews 🙂
In general, I’m a fan of boutique accommodation. There’s no shortage of 5* hotels in the city, but if I had the choice, I’d opt for something intimate, unique and cosy.
Hotel-wise I’d probably splash the cash at The Pulitzer (pictured below) or The Dylan (above) – at least I would until the new Soho House opens its doors in a few weeks bringing a huge new dose of wow. If you want a boutique feel but in a bigger hotel, the other brand new opening is the Hotel Pestana – located in a historic former Town Hall along the Amstel River in the wonderful Pijp, this is stylish 5* with bells on and includes an indoor swimming pool and spa. Not only are each of the 154 room different but there are even 32 apartments with kitchenettes.
One step down but no less luxe I reckon I’d bag myself a room at Morgan and Mees or the gorgeous brand new Pillows Hotel (pictured) below which is top of my list for a special weekend getaway.
Assuming I hadn’t actually won the lottery and was looking for something slightly more on-budget, I’d probably consider Hotel Dwars or the lovely looking Max Brown Hotel (below) which I came across recently.
Or perhaps on reflection, I’d opt to stay again at one of our favourites, the College Hotel – a unique and extremely special place to stay.
Looking for something a bit different? Why not get cosy in the brand new and extraordinary SWEETS Hotel – a series of converted bridge houses, necklaced around the city’s waterways. Possibly the most romantic option in town.
But its the development of luxury boutique B&B’s which has really captured my interest recently.
Here are two new openings that look kind of fabulous:
Bed and Buffet
One of the nicest little restaurants in Amsterdam, Buffet van Odette, has recently opened a couple of rooms in one of the lovliest spots in the city. And the rooms (one with canal views) designed by some of Amsterdam’s best stylists, look dreamy. Rolling out of bed and into the restaurant for their infamous truffle cheese omelette would be the perfect start to a romantic weekend. Find me there on my next getaway “a deux.”
Vergulden Eenhorn
Another wonderful-looking, newly-opened set of rooms is available at a unique farmhouse in the East of the city called Vergulden Eenhorn or Gilded Unicorn (yes, wow). This gorgeous spot in a building that dates back to 1702, offers the best of the Dutch countryside in the heart of the city and has been turned into a lovely restaurant and cafe serving seasonal food and a brand new set of rooms. The farmhouse is popular with locals for events and weddings which is not surprising as its a stunning spot. Farrow and Ball eat your heart out.
So, here’s where I need your help. Stayed in one of these, or somewhere else fabulous? Let me know what you thought and help me plan my next getaway.
Have you tried a serviced apartment like Yays?
Please let me know of any blog updates.